SnapPower GuideLight and Charger Review

An outlet cover with a built-in night light

The SnapPower GuideLight and Charger are two unique, innovative and extremely helpful products to have in your home. What are they? They are outlet covers. But not just any outlet covers; the GuideLight is one that has three LEDs built in at the bottom of the outlet cover, and the Charger has a USB port built right in. How do they get their power? Through two prongs that rest on the screws on either side of an outlet. So yes, you still get two outlet plugs while gaining a light that automatically turns on when it gets dark, or a USB port to charge your phone.

GuideLight

The GuideLight from SnapPower solves several issues that we face on a daily basis. These include night lights that take up outlet space, bulbs that burn out, and the pain of turning them on every night. The GuideLight piggybacks off of existing power going to the outlet, has LEDs that will last for 25+ years (and costs only $.10 a year), and automatically turns on when the light in the room goes below a preset threshold.

I’ve been testing the GuideLight for the past few weeks and I have been completely impressed by these products. First off, they are simple to install (see how to install them in our how-to video). It takes only a minute or two — the hardest part is finding the right electrical switch to turn off. Then, all you have to do is unscrew your old outlet cover and screw on the GuideLight. Finally, turn the electricity back on and you’re good to go.

The second thing I’ve been impressed with is how useful it is. I have it set up in a hallway, so at night I don’t have to fumble around for the light switch just to grab a bowl of cereal. The best part? It keeps me from running into walls.

Thirdly, it just works. I don’t have to worry about turning it on, I don’t have to worry about it not connecting with my phone. The GuideLight is its own thing, and it does what it should on its own.

Charger

Yet again, the Charger by SnapPower solves another problem: annoying wall chargers. Yes, the ones that stick out too far, take up outlet space, and are generally unsightly. The Charger is designed just like the GuideLight, except instead of LEDs it has a USB port on the side. The only downside of this product is that the bottom part sticks out in order to house the USB port — but that’s expected, and much better than a wall charger.

I’ve also been testing this for the past few weeks, and it is certainly handy if I’m just sitting down to go on Twitter and my phone is low on battery — boom, charger right behind me. There’s not too much more to say about this. It works, and its convenient.

Potential Improvements

Now, there are a couple changes that could be made for the next generation. For example, one of my frustrations is that the GuideLight doesn’t work with GFI outlets. One of the places where I’d really like to have a GuideLight is in the bathroom, and there are only GFI outlets in there (because of close proximity to water). Compatibility with GFI outlets would be sweet.

Another issue is that some outlets are right on top of molding. So much on top of, that the GuideLight wouldn’t be able to shine enough to provide any benefit. A cool new product would be a light switch version of the GuideLight. That way, one could have a GuideLight higher up on the wall, clear of obstructions.

As for the Charger, there isn’t much wrong with it. In the future, I would like to see a fully-compliant USB-C version, as it is becoming more popular.

Final Thoughts

SnapPower did a fantastic job with these products. I’m truely impressed by them, and will definitely be buying more of the GuideLights. There are no glaring problems with them — the only downside is the $15 price tag for the GuideLights, and the $20 for the Charger. While that doesn’t seem like a lot, it can quickly add up if you’re outfitting your entire home with them. If they were only $5 cheaper, then I could see it being a lot easier to buy more.

If you’re interested in picking some up for yourself, then see the link below to SnapPower’s website. They are on Amazon, but they cost more than through SnapPower’s website. Update: they are on Amazon and only a two dollars more than on SnapPower’s website. Plus, the GuideLight has Prime shipping. Also, be sure to check out the video below to learn how to install them, and also to see them in action.

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Ian is an Editor at YourTechExplained, where he loves exploring the latest in the Google universe. When he's not buried in words, Ian can be found trying to find a cool new shot for his job as a videographer.

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YourTechExplained is our vision to enlighten everyday people about the technology in their homes and pockets. Many people have smartphones, tablets, and computers but many do not know how to properly use them. Young or old there is always an opportunity to learn more about the technology in our lives. Our goal is to help everyone learn about the devices they use and how the changes in the industry can affect them.